Hurricane Preparedness Week: Day 3 - Assemble Disaster Supplies

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Although this blog entry deals with `hurricane' advice, in truth, with increasingly fragile supply chains, and the potential for seeing additional shortages of food, medicine, and other essential supplies in the months ahead, we should all be preparing for one type of storm or another.

With grocery store shelves already lean due to our COVID-19 pandemic, their ability to handle the inevitable pre-storm buying frenzy is already diminished. Meaning if you want to have supplies to weather a storm next August, you'd better start (gradually) buying them now. 

So as not to overstress the system, I'm buying an extra 2 or 3 cans of `hurricane'  heat-and-eat food (canned chili, ravioli, tinned meats, etc.) every time I venture out to the store.  Stuff that normally, I wouldn't eat, but will be grateful to have if my area is hit again by a hurricane this summer.

If a hurricane (or an earthquake, Derecho, or other disaster) strikes in the year ahead more people than normal will need disaster relief.  The more you can do now to prepare, the less stressful it will be for you and your family later.

And as an extra bonus, you will help relieve some of the burden on relief efforts. 

Day 3 of National Hurricane Preparedness Week is about how to Assemble Disaster Supplies. Although their advice speaks of a minimum of 3 days supply, you should really be striving for a 7 to 14 day supply.  And that's on top of your regular pantry inventory.

You’re going to need supplies not just to get through the storm but for the potentially lengthy and unpleasant aftermath. Have enough non-perishable food, water and medicine to last each person in your family a minimum of three days. Electricity and water could be out for at least that long.

You’ll need extra cash, a battery-powered radio and flashlights. You may need a portable crank or solar-powered USB charger for your cell phones. The CDC recommends if you need to go to a public shelter, bring at least two cloth face coverings for each person and, if possible, hand sanitizer. (Children under two years old and people having trouble breathing should not wear face coverings).

FEMA Make a Plan

 The following advice comes from FLASH (Federal Alliance  For Safe Homes).

FLASH: Assembling A Disaster Kit

Hurricanes: Assembling a Disaster Kit


What to Plan For

You'll need to plan for two situations: Remaining in your home after a disaster or evacuating to a safer location.

Have a three-day supply of food and water on hand -- plan for one gallon of water per person per day and food that won't spoil.

Keep a manual can opener and emergency tools including a fire extinguisher, battery-powered radio, flashlight and plenty of batteries.

Disaster Supply Checklist

Be sure to gather the following items to ensure your family's basic comfort and well-being in case of evacuation.

• Cash -- Banks and ATMs may not be open or available for extended periods.
• Water -- at least one gallon per person per day for three to seven days, plus water for pets.
• Food -- at least enough for three to seven days, including: Non-perishable packaged or canned food and juices, food for infants and the elderly, snack food, non-electric can opener, vitamins, paper plates, plastic utensils.
• Radio -- battery powered and NOAA weather radio with extra batteries.
• Blankets, pillows etc.
• Clothing -- seasonal, rain gear/ sturdy shoes.
• First Aid Kit -- plus medicines, prescription drugs.
• Special items -- for babies and the elderly.
• Toiletries -- hygiene items, moisture wipes, sanitizer.
• Flashlight and batteries.
• Keys.
• Toys, books, games.
• Pet care items, proper identification, immunization records, ample food and water, medicine, a carrier or cage, leash.

Store important documents in a fire and water proof container.

• Insurance papers
• Medical records
• Bank account numbers
• Social Security cards
• Deeds or mortgages
• Birth and marriage certificates
• Stocks and bonds
• Recent tax returns
• Wills 

Keep Your Kit Fresh

Remember to replace stored food and water every six months, keep a supply of fresh batteries on hand and keep your most important up-to-date family papers in a fire and water proof container.

The Importance of Water

Stocking an emergency water supply should be one of your top priorities so you will have enough water on hand for yourself and your family.

While individual needs will vary depending on age, physical condition, activity, diet and climate, a normally active person needs at least two quarts of drinking water daily. Children, nursing mothers and people who are ill need more water.

Very hot temperatures can also double the amount of water needed. Because you will also need water for sanitary purposes, and possibly for cooking, you should store at least one gallon of water per person per day.

When storing water, use thoroughly washed plastic, fiberglass or enamel-lined containers. Don't use containers that can break, such as glass bottles. Never use a container that has held toxic substances. Camping supply stores offer a variety of appropriate containers.

Plastic containers, like soda bottles, are best. Seal your water containers tightly, label them and store them in a cool, dark place. It is important to change stored water every six months.

Given the prolonged shipping times and back orders we are seeing from online shopping platforms, if you want to have a hand crank radio, battery operated fans, or extra LED lanterns, or any other `camping' supply, you'll probably need to order them well before you need them.

While I can't predict what disasters will occur in the next 12 months, or where, I do know that on average the United States declares more than 100 disasters per year (see FEMA LIST), some of which can affect millions of people.  

Which is why I continue to promote All Hazards Preparedness planning for everyone.  Because you never know what life is going to throw at you next.